Staff Reports
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s big dreams of becoming an independent presidential candidate in the 2024 election may be more like a puff of smoke than a roaring fire, according to conservative Republican voices. Although Kennedy wants to follow in the footsteps of independent candidate Ross Perot from 1992, it seems he may be trying to fill shoes that are just too big for him.
RFK Jr.'s 2024 strategy hearkens back to independent Ross Perot's historic 1992 bid https://t.co/9t2K5k51XJ https://t.co/9t2K5k51XJ
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) January 5, 2024
With his anti-vaccine stance and apparent lack of national recognition, Kennedy’s presidential aspirations are being tossed around like a rag doll by political conservatives. Russell Verney, who was Perot’s campaign manager in 1996, is throwing shade at Kennedy’s efforts, saying that Kennedy’s family wouldn’t even vote for him.
To make matters worse, Kennedy, with his reported net worth of only $15 million, doesn’t hold a candle to Perot’s billionaire status, and it takes more than just a big name to win an election. According to political scientist David Darmofal, Perot’s personal fortune gave him the advantage with ballot access and primetime specials, whereas Kennedy’s financial resources are not in the same league as Perot’s.
Let’s not forget that Perot’s uniqueness didn’t stop at his deep pockets. His strategic media use, direct outreach to voters through television, and appeal to fiscal conservatives and social moderates set him apart. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s campaign seems to be stumbling out of the gate, unable to gain the same momentum as his role model.
Conservatives are also quick to point out that even if some people are intrigued by Kennedy’s viewpoints, they are likely to opt for the “lesser of two evils” when it comes to choosing between the two major parties. Kennedy’s desires to be a “disrupter” and “heal the divide” may ring hollow for many voters who feel pressured to make a more practical decision at the ballot box.
Behind the scenes, Kennedy’s campaign manager, Stefanie Spear, is painting a different picture, arguing that Kennedy’s wide appeal and message of healing could carry him to victory. But with only 10% support in a recent national poll, Kennedy might find himself struggling to make a splash in the crowded presidential pool.
